At the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, known as LLDC3Innovative solutions and strategic partnerships will be outlined and leveraged to “unleash the full potential of these countries”.
LLDC3 is scheduled to take place from December 10 to 13.
Here’s what you need to know about LLDC and the plans for this year’s conference:
What is LLDC?
LLDCs, according to the United Nations Office for the Development of Disabilities, which deals with some of the world’s most vulnerable countries (OHRLLS), are countries that do not have direct access to the sea, which isolates them and hinders their ability to engage in international trade, connectivity and economic development.
OHRLLS says the average distance from LLDC to the seaport is approximately 851 miles.
As a result, these countries are forced to rely on “neighboring transit countries” to access international markets, resulting in higher commercial shipping costs – double that of neighboring countries – and delays in the movement of goods.
Their dependence on neighboring countries for commercial transport often exposes them to the risk of political and economic instability in transit countries.
The challenges faced by LLDC countries often lead them to “reduce foreign direct investment, limit export opportunities and slow economic growth”.
A boy stands in front of a solar panel that powers a water pump in Herat, western Afghanistan.
Which countries belong to the LLDC group?
There are 32 LLDCs across Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Including countries such as Afghanistan, Botswana, Ethiopia, and Paraguay. Ethiopia is the largest country, with a population of around 115 million people, while Bhutan is the smallest, with a population of less than one million people.
OHRLLS reports that about 40 percent of the LLDC population lives in slums and nearly half of the country is experiencing a severe food crisis.
Furthermore, the working population in LLDC countries is reported to earn only $1,500 per year, significantly lower than the global average of around $11,000 per year.
What is the history of the LLDC conference?
The LLDC conference began when the international community, especially the United Nations, realized that landlocked countries needed special attention and policies to address their unique challenges.
The first conference was held in 2003 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, largely promoted by the United Nations through the OHRLLS.
That conference marked the launch of the LLDC agenda, focusing on improving transit cooperation and trade facilitation to better integrate LLDCs into the global economy. Almaty Action Programadopted at this conference, set the framework for ongoing international cooperation, leading to subsequent conferences building on its progress.
The second conference was held in Vienna, Austria in 2014, ending with Vienna Action Programaimed at comprehensively assessing the progress of the implementation of the Almaty Action Program and reviewing trade and transport cooperation policies in the context of new challenges and opportunities.
It also seeks to renew global commitment to supporting landlocked countries by developing a new partnership framework for the next decade.
The Third United Nations Conference on LLDC will have the theme “Advancing Progress through Partnership”.
Rabab Fatima, Deputy Secretary General and Senior Representative of LLDCs, said this year’s theme highlights the fundamental need to accelerate the development of LLDCs.
“Due to our own territorial constraints, partnerships are not only beneficial but indispensable,” said Fatima.
“By working closely with international organizations, the private sector and neighboring countries, LLDC countries can develop integrated transport networks, enhance trade, share best practices and ultimately overcome inherent challenges to achieve sustainable development,” she continued.
The high representative added that as the conference approaches, it is necessary to acknowledge the “persistent challenges” facing LLDC countries.
A new action plan will address specific issues facing landlocked developing countries with practical solutions, she said. Fatima was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as Secretary-General of the LLDC3 conference.
“This programme is not just a strategic roadmap, but also a commitment to ensuring real and impactful change for millions of people living in coastal areas without watersheds,” she said.
What are the hopes for this year’s conference?
Botswana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations for LLDC3, Gladys Mokhawa, said this year’s conference marked a “historic moment not to be missed” as it was the first event focused on landlocked countries to be held in Africa.
“Botswana is ready to offer its unique hospitality and be the platform to shape a decade of transformative action for landlocked developing countries,” said Ms. Mokhawa.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Botswana, Zia Choudhury, said the country was delighted to host the conference and together with governments, civil society and other partners will develop the Gaborone Action Agenda – a 10-year plan outlining what the LLDCs and partners will do to overcome the structural challenges of the landlocked country.
The key to a successful conference, Mr Choudhury said, was making sure “we get the right people in the room”, including a wide range of people, from government officials to members of youth organisations.
“One thing I would personally ask young people in Botswana to do is to make sure that you know the targets that governments here and elsewhere have set and make sure that you hold governments and other stakeholders accountable for implementing the plans,” said Mr Choudhury.
“So this is a role for future generations,” he continued.
The resident coordinator said he hoped people would leave the conference feeling that LLDC was part of the future of development in Africa and globally.
“People will see how much we can offer,” said Mr. Choudhury.
